Alex (our almost 16 year old) has started having regular accidents indoors. He could usually be counted on peeing inside once a week or so, but the last couple days it has gotten out of control.

He is taken outside regularly (sometimes more than once an hour) and put on the grass to do his thing, but in the last several days he has pooped in the house 3 times. Just a few minutes ago, I took him out and repeatedly tried to get him to pee. No dice. Not 10 minutes later he squatted down in the hallway and let loose a big puddle. It's almost as if he's lost the ability to determine where he's supposed to go and where he's not supposed to go. Have any of the rest of you with older dogs experienced this?

At this point we are afraid to let him in the house.

He is 16! wow, kudos on having a long lived b'.
I can only say that if he was mine, I would do what I could to keep him inside and with you.
Has he been checked out by a vet lately?
Good luck.
I hope to hear some other tips to help you.
BUT I sure wouldn't put an oldster outside…

If this were my dog, I'd take him to the vet for a complete senior physical. Blood work including full thyroid panel AND make sure you're doing the Fanconi test. I'd also talk to the vet about doggie dementia, maybe ask about a specialist in this area.

I'd definately keep him inside. You can get rubber mattress pads and use them where ever you need to. If you have to, I'd block off the kitchen and put several comfy beds/blankets for him for when your not home.

And honestly, treasure each and every day you have left with Alex.

He's been a primarily outside dog his whole life. We have a large shaded yard with a very large covered patio to keep him out of the elements. We've only been keeping him inside for the past year or so, but he's never had accidents this frequently. He's been checked out by the vet, and other than normal age related ailments he checks out fine.

Sorry to say, but at that age… you should prepare yourself for accidents... I just lost my 16 1/2 yr old and I still have a almost 17 yr old... and they just do have accidents... they can't helpt it... your have to learn to live with it in the house.... I have rubber back sheets on the bed...and just clean up when they/he has/had accidents on the floor or the rug... just something that happens with old dogs.... We just deal with it.....

Blaze was doing that about 6 months ago. He was 13 (now 14). It turns out that he lost a lot of his liver due to something and his pancreas was failing. So he's on viokase powder and a pill. Everything is all good now. But it was pretty hair-raising for a while there. We invested in a Bissel pet pro shampooer. It works great when he has the odd incident.

Being that old and since you vet said Alex was okay for his age, maybe its just incontinence (like in people). You could try the piddle pads for the hallway or wherever and also the "doggie depends" - for example: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pet_supplies.cfm?c=3307+32

I'm sorry - Sounds like your poor old Alex is having Senior moments. I'm so happy to hear that he is still kicking for you - 16 years - WOW! You probably don't have much time left with him, so please keep him inside with you. Get a Bissell Spot Bot and make your life easier with Alex. "Accidents" are bound to happen with your senior fur kid (as with humans). Certainly, check with vet about incontinence. Good luck and <<hugs>>!

@Craigh:

Alex (our almost 16 year old) has started having regular accidents indoors. He could usually be counted on peeing inside once a week or so, but the last couple days it has gotten out of control.

He is taken outside regularly (sometimes more than once an hour) and put on the grass to do his thing, but in the last several days he has pooped in the house 3 times. Just a few minutes ago, I took him out and repeatedly tried to get him to pee. No dice. Not 10 minutes later he squatted down in the hallway and let loose a big puddle. It's almost as if he's lost the ability to determine where he's supposed to go and where he's not supposed to go. Have any of the rest of you with older dogs experienced this?

At this point we are afraid to let him in the house.

</hugs>

I like that… "senior moments"...ggg that is it exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!